Camera Bags: Guy Gear

Does your camera compete with your dog because it never leaves your side? Do you sleep with your camera on one side and your girl on the other? Do you see everything at 35 fps? If you answered yes to any one of these questions, you and your camera are probably on the move more often than Usain Bolt after the starting gun, but just because you’re a traveling camera geek doesn’t mean you have to look like one.

In that spirit, AM brings you camera bags that represent the epitome of fashion and function. If you’re one of those guys who firmly believes that men and bags don’t mix, don’t worry; you’re a photographer and the photographer always eventually bagshis model.

Without further ado, here are six camera bags to carry your goods.

Guy Gear: Camera Bags

Kata D-3N1-20 Sling/Backpack

The secret that puts the Kata D-3N1-20 Sling/Backpack on so many “Best Camera Bags” lists is the fact that it easily goes back and forth between three carrying methods through a bunch of quick-release mechanisms. Transforming this camera bag into a sling means that you can flawlessly move it from your back to your front for those candid moments when you need to be quick on the draw or when you need to quickly change lenses. Both the backpack and “X” position allow you to haul it long distances on your back without straining, thanks to its chest belt and hip strap. The Kata D-3N1-20 also fits on the Kata insertrolley, which can be purchased separately for $45.00, for long trips that require wheeled transport. As camera bags go, the Kata D-3N1-20 does what it’s supposed to: It is designed to hold a digital SLR and battery pack with a mid-range zoom lens and three to four extra lenses plus a flash. It has a built-in MP3 player pocket and can hold your personal effects just as easily as your camera. The included rain cover can protect your equipment from moisture and be hung out to dry right off the bag. It’s all available for the greatly economical price of $99.90 at Adorama.com.

The Classic 550

Billingham’s Classic 550 is a traditional camera bag that’s steeped in English history. In 1978, when founder Martin Billingham realized their fishing gear bags were being used by New York pro photographers, he started making camera bags full time. The Classic 550 is that original former fishing bag and it’s still handcrafted right in the UK. However, you can’t reintroduce the bag that put your name on the map to a new generation without a few minor improvements for today’s world. Today’s Classic 550 features loads of room for medium or large format 35mm cameras, along with flashes, lenses, meters, batteries, and films all in one easy to reach place. The canvas and leather bags with classic buckle fasteners come with two deep side pockets and two snap off removable delta pockets. The Classic 550 also comes with two leather straps, including a shoulder strap and pad. It comes with a waist strap, backpack harness, luggage straps, and tripod straps. Even if you’re not a photographer, it makes a classy travel bag for any man, especially at £340.43 (about $531) at Billingham.co.uk.

Crumpler 5 MILLION DOLLAR HOME Shoulder Bag

It’s called the 5 MILLION DOLLAR HOME Shoulder Bag, but it doesn’t cost that much (you can get it at Amazon.com for $74.50). All the way from those crazy Aussies at Crumpler comes a bag that could easily be at home in a classroom as much as it is on a photo shoot. Its versatile look, however, isn’t all that the 5 MILLION DOLLAR HOME Shoulder Bag is packing, you can also pack one compact digital SLR with standard zoom lens, an external speed light and an additional lens. Although it has less room than the bags above, it doesn’t have the bulk and won’t weigh you down as much. Every guy needs a messenger bag anyway, and this might be a perfect, inexpensive substitute, compared to the ones seen in designer boutique windows.

Lowepro Inverse 200 AW Camera Bag

The oddly shaped Lowepro Inverse 200 AW Camera Bag may be the answer that prevents you from missing all those candid shots. It will never happen again because the Inverse 200 AW can either hold one pro digital SLR with a medium zoom lens and two other lenses or a 70mm to 200mm lens and one spare lens. If that weren’t enough, it holds the filters, cards, cords, and all the spare chargers and batteries you will need thanks to its copious amounts of padded space and pockets. Though it might seem too big at first, the Lowepro Inverse 200 AW fits comfortably around your waist with its extremely cushy lumbar belt. You can also use the additional shoulder strap for extra support, which may come in handy on long lumbering trips across tundra of all kinds. You can have it all for $71.95 at Adorma.com.

M-ROCK Zion 525

The M-ROCK Zion 525 has features that make it one of the best camera bags on the market. It’s good for your cameras and a laptop, if you so desire. The different and extra dividers that partition segments of the bag and the two accessory bags provide three different ways to carry and organize the bag. The first can hold a pro digital SLR and four lenses, and the accessory bags are perfect for your lunch or other gear. If you remove the accessory bag and fill the remaining space with two horizontal dividers and three connecting dividers, you’ll have space for additional gear. The third and final configuration gives you three more inches of height for a nine-inch lens on your digital SLR and more accessories above the camera. You can get the M-ROCK Zion for $230 at M-ROCK.com.